This Tender Braised Pot Roast is your go-to for a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners. With its rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture, it's sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
The star of the show is the beef chuck roast — it's a cut that's perfect for slow cooking, resulting in tender, flavorful bites. Olive oil is used for browning, adding a slight richness. Onion and garlic bring a depth of flavor and aroma that forms the base of the dish. Carrots and potatoes not only add heartiness but also soak up all those delicious juices, becoming wonderfully tender. Beef broth and red wine marry together to create a luscious cooking liquid that elevates the dish. Tomato paste adds a subtle tang and color, while thyme and rosemary infuse the roast with earthy, herbal notes. A good pinch of salt and pepper rounds out the seasoning beautifully.
This pot roast pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. You could also serve it with crusty bread to mop up all the delicious sauce. If you’re looking to elevate the meal, a glass of the same red wine used in cooking would be a perfect match.
First things first, get your oven preheating to 350°F. While that's warming up, take your beef chuck roast and give it a generous seasoning of salt and pepper on all sides. Trust me, this is where you start building flavor.
Grab a large Dutch oven and pour in about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it over medium-high until it's shimmering. Carefully place your roast in the pot and let it brown. This should take about 4-5 minutes per side. You're not just cooking the meat here; you're creating a lovely crust that locks in flavor. Once browned, set the roast aside for a moment.
In the same pot, toss in your sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté them for a couple of minutes until they're soft and fragrant. Then, stir in tomato paste and let it cook until it darkens slightly. This step adds a depth of flavor that's worth the extra minute or two.
Now, pour in the red wine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. This is where the magic happens! Add in the beef broth, carrots, potatoes, thyme, and rosemary. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Gently return the roast to the pot, making sure it's nestled among the vegetables and mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer, cover it with a lid, and transfer it to your preheated oven.
Now, let the oven work its magic. Cook the roast for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the meat is tender and can be pulled apart with a fork. Remove the pot from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving.